Romantic Relationships

I Like Someone

So you like someone! You think they’re cute and funny, and want to get to know them better. With so many emotions and so many people around you with opinions, it can be hard to think clearly about what to do with your feelings. Liking someone can seem complicated. Teen advice websites often try to give us signs and tips to show if someone likes you back. The only way you will know for sure, though, is by talking to them about it directly!

Talking to your friends or their friends about your feelings and being indirect might seem easier, such as giving flirty signs. However, telling someone how you feel upfront is the mature and more successful way to know if they feel the same way. After all, the worst thing that can happen is they don’t like you in that way! While that might be upsetting, it can be nice to know sooner rather than later so you can move on to someone else!

Dating Someone Older

It’s common that teens want to date older people. They often seem more mature and appealing than girls or guys your own age- they might be able to drive or drink which might seem cool and adult to you. When you’re out of your teenage years, dating someone 5 years older is likely not a problem. But in your teens, 5 years can be a big difference in maturity! While sometimes dating older people might not be a problem, it can lead to pressure to do things you might not be ready for, especially pressures to have sex. Depending how much older your boy or girlfriend is, there might be more serious issues, like age of consent laws. Read up here on what it’s like to date someone older and what some issues might be.

Healthy Relationships

You may have someone you’re involved with romantically, maybe they’re “officially” your boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s important that your relationship is healthy with the person you’re dating and that you trust and support each other. Follow these links for tips on what makes a healthy relationship and how to be a good boyfriend or girlfriend.

As you can read about in this section, healthy romantic relationships, as well as friendships, are based on love, support, trust, and respect, among other things. If a relationship becomes based on power, control, and jealousy, it might take on an unhealthy form that may make you upset and confused.

If a relationship is unhealthy, you may want to consider ending it. This may be difficult. Check out our Breaking Up section for tips on how to break up with someone.

Having trouble creating and maintaining healthy relationships regularly, romantic or otherwise? Consider this support group offered through the Rockland Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Dependence:

For more on abuse, loveisrespect.org is a great website with other resources and advice articles.

If a break-up is refused and you feel scared or threatened by your boyfriend or girlfriend, it is important to get help. Speak with your parents or school counselor for help on how to get out of this situation. You can also call the Center for Safety and Change 24-hour hotline at 845-634-3344.

Sometimes people hope that their abusive partner will change. They may acknowledge what they’re doing and promise to be better. Abusers can change, but it takes a lot of work. Take this quiz to see the progress that an abusive partner might be making and what changes are important. Can Abusers Change -Love is respect. Remember, though, if you feel unsafe it is better to seek help rather than try to change your partner. You can also call the Center for Safety and Change 24-hour hotline at 845-634-3344.

You can also go here, or call their hotline if your relationship becomes abusive and violent and you need help:

Advocates can help you figure out your situation and lead you to resources you need

Hotline- 1-866-331-9474

Text love is to 22522

Breaking up

Maybe your relationship just isn’t making you feel happy or satisfied anymore. It is important to respect your boyfriend or girlfriend even though you’re ending your relationship; this is someone you clearly cared about. Here are tips on how to break up with someone in the kindest way you can.